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RI News For You: Summary of news for you to know
Our third issue of “RI News for you” – an occasional quick summary of happenings when they happen – to keep you more informed in your busy day, and our busy news cycle.
NATIONAL NEWS
UKRAINE
Ukraine Pres. Zelenskyy remotely addresses US Congress TODAY at 9am (link on RINewsToday Facebook page)
Ukraine Pres. Zelenskyy met with the PMs of Poland, Slovenia and Czech Republic, who traveled to Kyiv by train in a show of support.
Pres. Biden will travel to Europe next week
US may provide “killer drones” to Ukraine and $1B in military and other aid
3 million refugees, mostly women and children, have now fled Ukraine
Russian troops are destroying the residential suburbs on the way to Kyiv.
Salesforce & Slack will sever ties with Russia
OTHER
IRS will hire 10,000 to help with processing returns and backlog.
Cherry Blossom Festival starts March 22nd.
The White House Easter Egg Roll is back and will be held on the lawn this spring.
6 West Point cadets overdosed on fentanyl laced drugs
Panasonic company is moving to a permanent 4 day work week.
Uber & Lyft will add a temporary fuel charge to rides due to gas prices.
Tom Brady has said he’s coming back to the Bucs
Starbucks will switch out their disposable cups – to use reusable ceramic mugs people will bring into the store.
Tragic bus accident in Texas with fatalities in two college golf teams. Developing.
The White House will begin tours again – April 15th.
COVID UPDATE
COVID is expected to have another spike – soon – according to a Boston physician.
Pfizer has advised a 4th shot will be recommended for those aged 65 and over – and is seeking an EU to begin distributing it.
Reports that the J&J Vaccine is preventing other illnesses in addition to COVID
Barack Obama tests positive for COVID – he has mild symptoms, fully vaccinated/boosted
China is shutting down its southern business center of Shenzhen, a city of 17.5million people, and restricted access to Shanghai by suspending bus service because of a COVID outbreak. Everyone in Shenzhen, a finance and technology center that abuts Hong Kong, will undergo three rounds of testing after 60 new cases were reported Sunday. All businesses except those that supply food, fuel and other necessities were ordered to close or work from home. Cases on the mainland are at the highest since the history-altering 2020 Wuhan wave. Several large companies such as VW and Apple are shutting down for the suggested week to get control of the surge.
Hong Kong has become the world’s worst hot spot for COVID right now.
Germany reports a record high seven-day incidence of the coronavirus on Tuesday, just days before the planned easing of restrictions.
The BA.2 variant has already begun to spread in the U.S., as well. It accounted for about 12 percent of newly diagnosed cases last week.
US Congress building will reopen March 23rd – for phase one – groups of 15 or less – and tour groups less than 50.
Vaccine for under 5 – may be ready soon, before school
3 US House of Reps are positive, from going to a retreat together
Children’s vaccine should be ready before school starts in September.
Kamala Harris’ husband – 2nd gentleman – has COVID – minimal symptoms.
Unvaccinated MLB players in Canada will not be compensated for missed games.
RHODE ISLAND
PC is building a $54-million, 6-story dorm, opening in September 2023.
The Cardi’s Furniture drive for aid for Ukraine met with overwhelming response.
Cox Communications will build a broadband internet system that will serve the entire Aquidneck Island/Jamestown community, which often has slow and inadequate service.
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse’s bill to make Daylight Savings Time permanent has passed its first vote in the Senate – it now goes for vote in the House – in the fall, the sun would come up after 8am and set around 5pm – so discussion is not finished on its ramifications, especially for children going to school.
New RI License plate designs (5) are open for voting on the new design.
March Madness begins for Providence College
PASSINGS
William Hurt, 71 – Oscar winning actor
Brent Renaud, a decorated and award-winning American filmmaker and journalist, was killed in Ukraine while on assignment for Time Magazine. Since his death, two other reporters/photographers have been killed, all associated with Fox, and career professionals well known to news media who work in war zones.